Walk Antigua Like a Local

IThis central park or "town square" is the heart of Antigua. It is surrounded by the Municipal building, Palace, important religious building, and The Cathedral. During the colonial Spanish time, it became the principal meeting point and place of reference. It is the center of activity day or night. It has lots of venders and people all day long. On the weekends it livens up even more. Great place for people watching or to grab a cup of coffee or juice.

After being abandoned, it was damaged by the earthquakes of 1874 and 1917. The church was rebuilt during the second half of the twentieth century, after the Guatemalan state allowed the regular orders to have property in the country again. The church was returned to Franciscan friars in 1960, who began a controversial restoration process, as they focused on rebuilding a structurally healthy church. Our visit is particularly taken to discover the tomb of Pedro de San José de Betancur, the only Saint of Guatemala, a Franciscan monk who founded a hospital for the poor in Antigua. San Francisco Church is one of the biggest attractions in the city and is an opportunity see a restored colonial church.

In the seventeenth century, the Convent of Santo Domingo was one of the largest in America, and in 1773, the Santa Marta earthquake destroyed it almost entirely. Progressively, Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo emerged where each corner is a page lost in time that joins others to form a beautiful chapter of the great book of our history.

La Iglesia de la Merced is a historic Catholic church located in the heart of Antigua Guatemala. Renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture, this church is especially notable for the unusually low height of its two bell towers, an intentional design feature to withstand the frequent earthquakes that affect the region.

"The Santa Catalina Arch, one of Antigua Guatemala’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 17th century to connect the Santa Catalina Convent to a school, allowing cloistered nuns to pass between buildings without going outside. Together with the cloister and church nave, it forms the Antiguo Convento de Santa Catalina Virgen y Mártir. On clear days, Volcán de Agua creates a stunning backdrop, making this yellow arch a perfect spot for a memorable photo.

At the Chocolate Museum, we will learn about the history of cacao, the cacao tree, and its significance in Guatemala. Choco Museo features its own artisanal chocolate factory that produces chocolate from organic Guatemalan cacao beans, we will sample a variety of chocolates, from pure dark chocolate to blend infused with local flavors like cardamom, cinnamon, and coffee. This stop immerses ourselves in Guatemala's cultural richness, exploring the characteristics of cacao, its global impact and how it has evolved over time.

Jade has been used for over 5,000 years in both China and Mesoamerica to create a wide variety of objects, from ornaments and utensils to weapons and tolos, thanks to its exceptional hardness and resistance. It has earned a reputation as a good luck charm and is recognized as the stone of eternal life, abundance, and hope. In our culture, jade has long been admired for its strength and symbolism, making it an ideal material for decorating, defending, or hunting. Guatemala is proud to be one of only four countries in the world with deposits of Jadeite jade.